Lily stared at him, feeling a surge of courage she didn't quite understand. Tears began to roll down her cheeks, a steady stream of emotion she could no longer hold back. As she watched Jason raise his hand, preparing to strike her, she flinched, bracing herself for the impact. But Jason stopped abruptly, his eyes widening in realization of what he was about to do. The violent motion was arrested, and his hand hovered in the air as his conscience caught up with him. Lily's body trembled, caught between fear and a desperate hope for rescue.
"I'm sorry, Lily. I didn't mean—" Jason began, his voice faltering, but he was cut off by a cold, commanding voice that sliced through the tense atmosphere.
"Let her go."